Detroit Lions brace for rematch against Commanders with key players sidelined
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Washington Commanders, but they will have to do so without several key players. As the Lions look to avenge their playoff exit from last season, the absence of certain contributors will certainly be felt on the field.
Inactives Announced
The Lions have officially released their list of inactive players for the Week 10 clash. Notable absences include safety Kerby Joseph, defensive lineman Pat O’Connor, running back Jacob Saylors, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, and safety Erick Hallett. Additionally, three players—Miles Frazier, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Josh Paschal—remain on the injured list despite participating in practice this week.
Seeking Revenge
This game carries significant weight for the Lions, who are still stinging from last year’s playoff disappointment. In a shocking twist during the Divisional Round, the Lions, armed with home-field advantage, were eliminated by the Commanders in a 45-31 upset at Ford Field. The Lions’ defense was particularly vulnerable in that game, missing stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill due to season-ending injuries.
McNeill, although not on the field for that playoff encounter, has expressed the emotional toll of that loss. “Absolutely. I might not have been there, but I’m still on the team,” he shared. “I felt that just like everyone else did. We’re gonna go out there and play our brand of football, but yeah, we’re gonna think about that. Absolutely.”
Bouncing Back from Loss
The Lions are coming off a tough 27-21 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, a loss that served as a wake-up call just after their bye week. Historically, under head coach Dan Campbell, the team has shown resilience, having not lost consecutive games since the 2022 season. “Everything’s all in the details. Individually, I’ve got to be more detailed,” McNeill noted. “As a team, as a defense, we need to be more locked in than what we were. Not saying we weren’t locked in, we’ve just got to be more extra locked in for a divisional rival like that.”
A Healthier Defense on the Horizon
McNeill’s return from injury in Week 7 has injected new life into the Lions’ defense. His presence has been pivotal, and with other players like Josh Paschal and Marcus Davenport working their way back from injuries, the defensive line is starting to regain its strength. McNeill has high hopes for the unit, stating, “Obviously you’ve got Hutch in there. Davenport’s on his way back, Paschal’s working back in. That room has a lot of potential, and we’re gonna live up to it, that’s for sure. Everyone in there has the correct mindset.”
As the Lions prepare to take the field against the Commanders, the stakes are high. With the memories of last year’s playoff exit fresh in their minds, they are determined to reclaim their narrative and demonstrate their growth as a team.
